2 Chronicles 20:31
New International Version
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

New Living Translation
So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

English Standard Version
Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Berean Standard Bible
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jehoshaphat was king over Judah, a son of thirty-five years in his reigning, and twenty-five years he reigned in Jerusalem. And the name of His mother was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

King James Bible
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

New King James Version
So Jehoshaphat was king over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

New American Standard Bible
Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

NASB 1995
Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

NASB 1977
Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Legacy Standard Bible
Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Amplified Bible
Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Berean Annotated Bible
So Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) reigned over Judah (praised). He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem (city of peace) twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah (forsaken) daughter of Shilhi (armed).

Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat became king over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat became king over Judah. He was 35 years old when he became king and reigned 25 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

American Standard Version
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat was 35 years old when he became king of Judah, and he ruled from Jerusalem for 25 years. His mother was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

English Revised Version
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jehoshaphat ruled as king of Judah. He was 35 years old when he began to rule, and he ruled for 25 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah, daughter of Shilhi.

Good News Translation
Jehoshaphat had become king of Judah at the age of thirty-five and had ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

International Standard Version
Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah, having become king at the age of 35. He reigned in Jerusalem for 25 years. His mother's name was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

NET Bible
Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king and he reigned for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

New Heart English Bible
Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

World English Bible
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign. He reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jehoshaphat reigns over Judah, a son of thirty-five years in his reigning, and he has reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother [is] Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jehoshaphat was king over Judah, a son of thirty-five years in his reigning, and twenty-five years he reigned in Jerusalem. And the name of His mother was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat reigneth over Judah, a son of thirty and five years in his reigning, and twenty and five years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat will reign over Judah: the son of thirty and five years in his reigning, and twenty and five years he reigned in Jerusalem. And his mother's name Azubah, daughter of Shilhi.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Josaphat reigned over Juda, and he was five and thirty years old when he began to reign: and he reigned five and twenty years in Jerusalem: and the name of his mother was Azuba the daughter of Selahi.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. And he was thirty-five years old when he had begun to reign. Then he reigned for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And the name of his mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

New American Bible
Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah, daughter of Shilhi.

New Revised Standard Version
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah; he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Arubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yehoshaphat was made king over Yehuda. He was a son of thirtyfive years when he became king in the kingdom, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother was Aruba, daughter of Shalkhi.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah; he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Josaphat reigned over Juda, being thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Azuba, daughter of Sali.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Summary of Jehoshaphat's Reign
31So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 32And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.…

Cross References
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah.

1 Kings 22:41
In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel, Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah.

2 Chronicles 17:1
Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel.

1 Kings 15:24
And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place.
He was thirty-five years old when he became king,

1 Kings 22:42
Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

2 Chronicles 25:1
Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.

2 Kings 18:2
He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah.
and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years.

2 Kings 14:2
He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.

1 Kings 14:21
Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon reigned in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite.

2 Kings 8:17
Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.
His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

1 Kings 15:2
and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom.

2 Kings 12:1
In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba.

1 Kings 14:31
And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David; his mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. And his son Abijam reigned in his place.
2 Chronicles 17:3-6
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, / but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel. / So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor. …

2 Chronicles 18:1
Now Jehoshaphat had an abundance of riches and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.

2 Chronicles 19:3-4
However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” / Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles 21:1
And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

A.

1 Kings 22:41-44
And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel…

Jump to Previous
Azubah Daughter Five Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Jerusalem Judah Mother's Reign Reigned Shilhi Thirty Thirty-Five Twenty Twenty-Five
Jump to Next
Azubah Daughter Five Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Jerusalem Judah Mother's Reign Reigned Shilhi Thirty Thirty-Five Twenty Twenty-Five
2 Chronicles 20
1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast
5. His prayer
14. The prophecy of Jahaziel
20. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord
22. The great overthrow of his enemies
26. The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph
31. Jehoshaphat's reign
35. His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes.












So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah.

Jehoshaphat succeeded Asa as Judah’s fourth king and ruled during a period when the divided kingdoms followed increasingly different spiritual paths. While Israel repeatedly embraced idolatry under the house of Ahab, Jehoshaphat sought to lead Judah in covenant faithfulness. The summary follows the Lord’s miraculous deliverance of Judah from its enemies, showing that the kingdom’s preservation rested ultimately on God’s power rather than military strength.

1Ki 22:41 In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel,…
2Ch 17:1 Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place,…
1Ki 15:24 And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried…

He was thirty-five years old when he became king,

Jehoshaphat came to the throne as a mature man, having lived through Asa’s long reign and witnessed both his father’s reforms and later failures. He began by strengthening Judah’s defenses, removing many places of false worship, and sending leaders and Levites throughout the land to teach the Law of the Lord.

1Ki 22:42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king,…
2Ch 25:1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king,…
2Ki 18:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king…

and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years.

Jerusalem was the city chosen by God for His temple and the seat of David’s royal house. Jehoshaphat’s lengthy reign gave Judah stability and opportunity for spiritual renewal. Although his alliance with Ahab brought serious danger and rebuke, he continued to seek the Lord and instituted reforms in worship, justice, and national leadership.

2Ki 14:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king,…
1Ki 14:21 Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon reigned in Judah.…
2Ki 8:17 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king,…

His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

Azubah’s name preserves the family record of Judah’s Davidic kings. Scripture gives no further account of her life, but her inclusion identifies Jehoshaphat within a real royal household and historical succession through which God maintained His covenant promise to David.

1Ki 15:2 and he reigned in Jerusalem three years.…
2Ki 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king…
1Ki 14:31 And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who is noted for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord, strengthen the kingdom, and seek God’s guidance in times of trouble.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, over which Jehoshaphat reigned. It was known for its capital, Jerusalem, and its lineage from King David.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites, and the location of the Temple.

4. Azubah
The mother of Jehoshaphat, mentioned here to provide genealogical context and emphasize the Davidic lineage.

5. Shilhi
The father of Azubah, included to complete the genealogical reference.
Teaching Points
Faithful Leadership
Jehoshaphat’s reign exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership. His commitment to God’s ways brought stability and blessing to Judah.

Generational Influence
The mention of Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, reminds us of the impact of family and upbringing on a leader’s values and decisions.

The Importance of Place
Jerusalem, as the center of worship and governance, underscores the significance of having a spiritual and physical center in our lives where we seek God’s presence.

Legacy and Influence
Jehoshaphat’s reign is a reminder of the lasting impact a leader can have on their nation and the importance of leaving a godly legacy.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:31?

2. How did Jehoshaphat's reign reflect God's faithfulness in 2 Chronicles 20:31?

3. What leadership qualities of Jehoshaphat can we apply in our lives today?

4. How does Jehoshaphat's reign connect to God's promises in Deuteronomy 17:14-20?

5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance as Jehoshaphat did?

6. How can Jehoshaphat's example inspire us to lead with integrity and faith?

7. How does 2 Chronicles 20:31 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

8. What leadership qualities did Jehoshaphat exhibit in 2 Chronicles 20:31?

9. How does Jehoshaphat's reign in 2 Chronicles 20:31 compare to other kings of Judah?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20?


What Does 2 Chronicles 20:31 Mean
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah.

• The verse opens by restating the fact of Jehoshaphat’s kingship, reminding us that leadership is granted—and evaluated—by God (see 2 Chronicles 17:3–5; Romans 13:1).

• Coming immediately after the dramatic victory in 2 Chronicles 20:22–30, the line underlines that God not only delivers His people but also sustains the ruler who trusts Him (compare 1 Samuel 12:13–15).

• Judah’s throne remained in the Davidic line, fulfilling promises like 2 Samuel 7:16: “Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me”.

• Practical takeaway: God-honoring leadership brings stability to God’s people (Proverbs 29:2).


He was thirty-five years old when he became king.

• At thirty-five, Jehoshaphat was mature enough to rule yet young enough to lead energetically.

• Scripture often notes a ruler’s age to highlight God’s timing:

– David: “David was thirty years old when he became king” (2 Samuel 5:4).

– Uzziah: sixteen (2 Chronicles 26:1).

– Josiah: eight (2 Chronicles 34:1).

• These contrasts show God equips different servants at different stages; obedience matters more than age (1 Timothy 4:12).

• Jehoshaphat’s early years likely prepared him for the reforms recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7–9.


and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years.

• A twenty-five-year reign signals relative peace and divine favor (compare 1 Kings 15:14; 2 Chronicles 17:10).

• Key moments during those years:

– Spiritual reforms and nationwide teaching of the Law (2 Chronicles 17:7–9).

– Misstep in allying with Ahab, yet repentance followed (2 Chronicles 19:2–4).

– The famed prayer and victory over the Moabite-Ammonite coalition (2 Chronicles 20:5–22).

• Long reigns often allow either entrenched sin or sustained righteousness; Jehoshaphat’s record shows how quickly blessing follows humility (James 4:6).

• Jerusalem remains the covenant center (Psalm 48:1–3), prefiguring the Messianic Kingship of Christ (Luke 1:32–33).


His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

• Mentioning the queen mother was standard (1 Kings 14:21), underscoring her influence in the royal household.

• God honors the role of mothers in shaping future leaders (Proverbs 31:1; 2 Timothy 1:5).

• Azubah’s name surfaces only here and in 1 Kings 22:42, yet her inclusion speaks to God’s meticulous record-keeping of family lines (Malachi 3:16).

• The reference reminds readers that personal faithfulness often starts within the family circle (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).


summary

2 Chronicles 20:31 is more than a historical footnote; it anchors Jehoshaphat’s story in concrete details that testify to God’s sovereign hand. His divinely granted throne, timely installation at thirty-five, sustained twenty-five-year reign, and godly family background all weave together to show that righteous leadership, grounded in personal and familial faithfulness, invites God’s enduring blessing on His people.

CONCLUDING NOTICES. END OF THE REIGN

(2Ch 20:31 -2Ch_21:1).

Comp. 1Kings 22:41-50. A brief section, which constitutes the whole account of the reign of Jehoshaphat in the older narrative.

(31) And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah.—Kings adds: “In the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.” With this omission, our verse coincides with 1Kings 22:41-42.

Verse 31. - With this verse recommences the parallel of 1 Kings 22:41-50. In this verse we find the addition in the parallel very naturally to be accounted for, of "began to reign in the fourth year of Ahab King of Israel." Otherwise the verses are almost identical. Of Azubah nothing more is heard.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

reigned
וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Judah.
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

He [was] thirty-five
שְׁלֹשִׁים֩ (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

years old
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

when he became king,
בְּמָלְכ֗וֹ (bə·mā·lə·ḵōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

and he reigned
מָלַ֣ךְ (mā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

in Jerusalem
בִּֽירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

twenty-five
וְעֶשְׂרִ֨ים (wə·‘eś·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

years.
שָׁנָה֙ (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

His mother’s
אִמּ֔וֹ (’im·mōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

name
וְשֵׁ֣ם (wə·šêm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

was Azubah
עֲזוּבָ֖ה (‘ă·zū·ḇāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5806: Azubah -- two Israelite women

daughter
בַּת־ (baṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

of Shilhi.
שִׁלְחִֽי׃ (šil·ḥî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7977: Shilhi -- Jehoshaphat's grandfather


Additonal Resources
2 Chronicles 20:31 Blue Letter Bible
2 Chronicles 20:31 Bible Gateway
2 Chronicles 20:31 Bible.com

2 Chronicles 20:31 NIV
2 Chronicles 20:31 NLT
2 Chronicles 20:31 ESV
2 Chronicles 20:31 NASB
2 Chronicles 20:31 KJV

2 Chronicles 20:31 Study Bible
2 Chronicles 20:31 Biblia Paralela
2 Chronicles 20:31 Chinese Bible
2 Chronicles 20:31 French Bible
2 Chronicles 20:31 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:31 Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)

2 Chronicles 20:30
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